Asia may be home to some of the world’s most vibrant cities, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t quiet corners where you can get away from it all. Drop anchor with us in these remote locales.
Asia may be home to some of the world’s most vibrant cities, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t quiet corners where you can get away from it all. Drop anchor with us in these remote locales.
The unmistakable skyline of Kuala Lumpur. The bustling markets of Bangkok. The neon lights of Tokyo. Asian cities can overwhelm with their palpable energy, but this dynamism can make you wish for an escape to more peaceful destinations. For those seeking quieter journeys, visit a tranquil archipelago in Vietnam, prehistoric islands in Indonesia or secret lagoons in the Philippines, remote havens tailor-made for those seeking the pleasures of stillness.
Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
An archipelago of 16 mountainous islands off the southeast coast of Vietnam, Con Dao has emerged from its history as a French penal colony to become one of the most serene spots in the region. With its coral-laden turquoise waters, golden beaches, lush forests and world-class snorkeling and diving, a visit to Con Dao feels like being let in on a long-kept secret and Con Son, the main island, is a dreamy base of quiet streets and French colonial architecture from where you can begin your exploration of the unspoiled wilderness to come.
Con Dao National Park is a haven for sea turtles, migratory birds and rare species of flora and fauna alike. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the dry season’s cooler temperatures and lower humidity make it ideal to explore scenic hiking trails that wend through the lush jungle en route to waterfalls and sweeping, panoramic views. When you’re finished exploring on terra firma, the season’s clearer waters also provide unparalleled visibility while snorkeling and diving amid the region's thriving coral reefs and thousands of species of marine life in this protected sanctuary of biodiversity.
Komodo, Indonesia
Komodo is a place that feels both ancient and alive, and sailing into the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park feels like entering another time. Jagged, reddish hills rise from the turquoise sea, with a pink shore that appears prehistoric — or from Mars. The island of Kalong, or “Flying Foxes” in English, located inside the park, is known for its flying fruit bats who inhabit the island’s mangrove forests.
From Luminara’s deck, you can spot dolphins swimming in the sea, but if you prefer to view marine life underwater, Pink Beach is the perfect diving-off point. Named for its distinctive pink hue derived from microscopic coral organisms that give the sand its color, Pink Beach is a haven for swimming, snorkeling and, of course, photography.
Visit any of Komodo’s numerous beaches for a morning dive among manta rays, sea turtles and coral gardens. Hike across rolling savanna hills or take a guided walk through the park where legendary Komodo dragons roam beside wild boar and rare, endangered birds. Lazy afternoons are for swimming in crystalline coves and luxuriating on the warm sands of this island paradise.
Bacuit Archipelago, Philippines
Bacuit Archipelago, a group of jagged limestone islands with hidden lagoons, secret coves and pristine beaches, is ideal for island-hopping in the Philippines. A visit here is the ultimate in barefoot luxury, as these islands are a natural playground where the sea seems to continuously change color, from intense shades of turquoise to emerald to sapphire and back again.
Take a kayak or paddleboard to explore beaches so small and remote they vanish at high tide. Dive into the water for some of the best snorkeling in the Philippines and explore coral walls that seem sculpted by Rodin. For the ultimate privacy, discover the island of Matinloc and its private beach, which is only accessible via an underwater tunnel. Miniloc shouldn’t be missed, either. Another island with “concealed” beaches, it’s known for its spectacular aquamarine lagoons, named Big, Small and, of course, Secret lagoon, each epitomizing seclusion and escape.
